Unofficial Southend Shakedown event sparks seafront warning

Southend Shakedown was cancelled after volunteers faced "threats of violence"

Seafront visitors have been warned an unofficial motorcycle event could see up to 2,500 bikers arrive on the coast.

Plans for the gathering came after an official event -Southend Shakedown - was cancelled by organisers.

In a post on social media, they said Essex volunteers had faced "threats of violence" and been "abused".

City councillor James Courtenay said the authority was aware a "large number of bikers" could stage an unofficial replacement event on April 1.

"The area is covered by extensive CCTV and there is a Public Space Protection Order in place to deal with anti-social behaviour," the Conservative councillor, responsible for community safety and public protection, said.

He added that plans were in place with the police to ensure all businesses and visitors were supported over Easter weekend.

More than 2,500 people have registered an interest to an event titled "Not the Southend Shakedown 2024" on Facebook, the Echo reported.

A post on the page reads: "A few of us are still meeting up for the usual Bank Holiday Monday fun and games down the seafront."

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